What Is Looped Carpet?

Standard Looped Carpet

• Standard looped carpets are made using individual strands or fibers that are pulled through a backing material twice, which creates small loops. This makes a smooth, flat surface that is durable and easy to clean. Looped carpeting is often used in high-traffic areas and in commercial buildings and typically has a rough texture. In residential applications, looped carpeting is often made with higher loops to give it a softer feel. Although available in solid colors, homeowners may choose a patterned looped carpet such as Berber to conceal dirt.

Design Variations

• Looped carpeting is also made in two variations beyond the standard loop-pile design. Cut-and-loop carpets combine the standard looped design with cut fibers. The cut and looped yarns provide more design choices while maintaining the durability of standard loop carpets. Patterned looped carpets are designed using loops of different heights, creating a variety of textures and a sculptured appearance.

Materials

• Like all carpet, looped styles may be made of several materials, each of which can affect the overall durability of the carpet. Most residential looped carpet are made of nylon, which is durable and stain resistant. This results in a softer looped carpet than other materials while maintaining the strength and durability necessary for high-traffic areas. Looped carpet may also be made of polyester, which offers stain resistance and affordability but is less durable than nylon. Olefin, or polypropylene, fibers are often used in commercial looped carpets. This material tends to mat, which makes design options limited. Another option is wool, which is eco-friendly and natural, providing a softer looped carpet, but is not as stain resistant as nylon or polyester. Wool is also priced higher than synthetic materials.

Advantages and Disadvantages

• Looped fibers create a dense flooring material that both cushions and insulates. The tightly woven fibers prevent dirt from getting trapped in the carpet and do not hold footprints or furniture marks. Because dirt doesn't easily work its way down into looped carpet fibers, it is easily seen on the surface. If the dirt accumulates and does make its way down to the base of the fibers, it can be difficult to remove. Looped carpet also lacks the soft, luxurious feel of cut-carpet styles.